This week may mark a turning point in Marion County’s road and bridge program.<p>The Marion County Commission was expected to meet all morning Monday to discuss road and bridge options with department personnel (See story on page X).<p>Commission Chairman Dan Holub said this would be likely followed at the Friday payday meeting with major announcements for expansion of road and […]

The tennis courts at East Park have seen considerable wear and tear since a rubberized surface was added in the 1980s. The current project will involve resurfacing the courts. Janae Rempel / Free Press The City of Marion is one of 49 Kansas communities to receive a community improvement grant through the Kansas Small Cities Community Development Block Grant program. […]

After a seven-hour budget workshop last weekend, the Marion City Council at its July 20 meeting approved publication of its 2016 budget with no mill levy increase. Roger Holter, city administrator, said the challenge was in keeping the overall mill levy flat, which equated to a $27,000 reduction in what was presented by the department heads. “We will get the […]

The Hillsboro City Coun­cil agreed at its July 21 meeting to send certified letters of notice to the owners of four “unsafe and dangerous” properties who have yet to comply with previous directives from the city to repair or remove those properties. City Attorney Josh Boehm reported that Ben Steketee, the city’s code-enforcement officer, reported he had not issued any […]

Aerobic swimming is a popular summer activity for a group of ladies at the Florence Municipal Pool. Edna Robinson, far right, leading the class, has about six women who attend. Trayce Warner of Florence said she has been attending the class for six years, but Williams and Robinson have been attending longer. Morgan is in her second year. If anyone […]

Hillsboro native Amy Cameli and her family pulled their car off on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 56 between Canton and Lehigh Saturday evening so she could photograph a full rainbow perched on the southeast Kansas horizon. The Cameli family, who reside in Georgia, were on the way to visit Joel Klaassen, founding publisher of the Free Press, and wife […]

• Planners blend new events with tradition. An assistant to the judge takes the leash from Morgan Gaines of Peabody during the obedience portion of the 4-H Dog Show Saturday morning at the fairgrounds in Hillsboro. The show was the first 4-H event prior to the official start of the Marion County Fair today. A second 4-H event, the annual […]

• Clint Corby to boost staff, students, parents. Clint Corby, new HM/HS principal Clint Corby says a singular goal has fueled his wide-ranging career in K-12 education the past 12 years. “It didn’t matter whether the kid was 18 or 3, I enjoyed working with them and helping them get to where they want to go,” said the new principal […]

Workers with Hett Construction of Marion were back on the job Monday adding entrance and exit lanes along U.S. Highway 56 at Adams Street on the north edge of Hillsboro. The $335,265 project, funded entirely by KDOT, is expected to enhance the safety of drivers exiting and entering the highway at Adams. Don Ratzlaff / Free Press Workers with Hett […]